Healthcare Computer Science

    Combine computer science with medicine, health and business administration. The study of Healthcare Computer Science combines technical, organizational and social topics // Health meets computer science at the lake!

    Profile

    Degree: Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.)
    Accredited degree program

    Department: Computer Science

    Program Type: Full-time
    Language of Instruction: German
    Length of Studies: 7 semesters

    Start of studies: Winter semester (WS)
    Standard Class Size: 42 in WS
    Application deadline: July 15th

    Study language

    All study programs of the faculty of Computer Science are conducted in German (C1 German language proficiency).

    Further information on language requirement

    For exchange students, selected classes are offered in English.

    Further information for exchange students

    Healthcare Computer Science – what is it?

    Whenever hospitals exchange data electronically with physicians in private practice, wherever X-ray images are analyzed automatically, whenever apps analyze our health or health insurance companies manage their members, that is where Healthcare Computer Science comes into use.

    Would you like to develop health apps, fitness gadgets or medical web portals? Are you communicative and do you like working with people? Then this degree program is just right for you: After studying Healthcare Computer Science, you will develop technical solutions that support health in a wide variety of ways.

    How can computer science help improve health? For example, by making important information available to surgeons or emergency medical services quickly and efficiently. Or by designing and developing mobile apps for a wide range of purposes: from personal fitness to improving medication intake for the chronically ill.

    Good reasons for Healthcare Computer Science

    1. Helping people with information technology

    From fitness trackers to health insurance cards: As a graduate of the Healthcare Computer Science program, you will be involved in the digitization of healthcare in an advisory position. In addition, you will be able to develop many creative information technology solutions for the healthcare sector, especially for the people themselves.

    2. Excellent career opportunities

    The need for IT specialists with specific training is growing - especially in the healthcare sector. On the one hand, this is due to the digitalization of all areas of life and work. On the other hand, the demographic development (fewer and fewer younger people have to pay the costs of more and more older people) and the constant progress in medicine ensure a continuous growth of the already large and versatile industry. Added to this, a general social trend comes along: people's growing health awareness. As a graduate of the Healthcare Computer Science program, you will be a specialist in demand on the job market.

    3. Study with many different topics

    The study of Healthcare Computer Science is very multifaceted: It offers you topics from computer science, health and medicine as well as business administration. You will work with new technologies and help shape future topics.

    4. Personal atmosphere

    You study in small groups of around 40 students so that the teachers know you personally. During the exercises, professors and/or students from higher semesters are there for you and take time for you.

    5. Hands-on training

    Our professors have several years of professional experience in the industry. Therefore, teaching and research are practice-oriented. Industry-specific experts and lectures are also included. All subjects are complemented by practice sessions where you can apply the learning directly (e.g. using mobile apps, medical devices, and various clinical information systems). Last but not least, the internship semester and your bachelor thesis will prepare you excellently for your career entry.

    6. Study where others spend their vacations

    At HTWG Konstanz you study in a prime location: directly on Lake Constance. The old town with its numerous student bars is only a five-minute walk away. In winter, beautiful ski resorts await you in the nearby Alps.

    Course of studies in Healthcare Computer Science

    The program lasts seven semesters (210 ECTS). In addition to the basic lectures in mathematics, business administration, medicine and programming, you will have numerous subjects in your studies that combine the various subject areas. For example, you will deal with business processes and controlling in healthcare, learn more about clinical information systems or telemedicine, about IT project management, health economics, medical technology or legal frameworks.

    In semester five, you will work in a company or institution of your choice (internship semester).

    • Semester 1 & 2

      In semesters 1 and 2 you will learn the basics of healthcare, medicine, business administration, as well as programming and mathematics. The voluntary "preliminary course in mathematics" makes it easier for you to get started. Mathematics is a means to an end for you - it helps you, for example, to optimize healthcare processes with software.

    • From Semester 3 onwards

      From Semester 3 onwards you will expand your knowledge in the following subject areas: computer science, medicine & healthcare, medical Informatics & e-health, and business administration & (IT) management. Many subjects are tailored to the healthcare industry, such as clinical information systems or health economics. In addition, subjects such as law, data protection, medical devices and key competencies (soft skills) are on the timetable.

      Semester 5 is a practical study semester (internship) in which you work in a company of your choice. There you practically apply what you have learned from your studies. The company pays you for your work. You get to know your area of responsibility and the professional field and you can already build up your professional network.

      The team project (in semester 6) allows you to work out a topic of your choice in a practical way.

      The elective courses (semesters 6 and 7) can be arranged individually.

      You complete your bachelor degree with a bachelor thesis at the university of applied science or in a cooperation with a company.

      You have the possibility to integrate stays abroad into your studies. It is also possible to spend the practical semester (internship) abroad. Comparable study achievements can be recognized after prior approval.

    Documents incl. manual of courses and links to further documents (in German): Please select the German web presence and choose the tab "Dokumente".

    Job profile and perspectives in Healthcare Computer Science

    The career prospects for computer scientists in the healthcare sector are excellent. As a graduate, you will work at the interfaces between information technology, medicine respectively healthcare as well as business administration. This means that you interact with the professionals involved, such as physicians and nurses, and you know how healthcare systems work, such as a clinic or health insurance. In addition, you know which cost calculations are necessary, for example for a hospital. You are familiar with the realization of digital products and can develop mobile apps for issues in healthcare sector.

    Master study program

    In case you would like to expand your knowledge after completing the bachelor program or you are aiming for a scientific career in the direction of a doctorate, you can, among other things, choose the master degree program in Computer Science at HTWG Konstanz.

    Branches and activities

    • Web development for medical portals
    • IT project management, e.g. introduction of software
    • Consulting, e.g. optimization of processes
    • IT system administration, e.g. in hospitals
    • Development (software, web, app) in the healthcare sector
    • Marketing, sales support for medical device manufacturers
    • IT training in the healthcare sector

    These employers are looking for you

    • Medical technology manufacturers and medical software producers
    • Healthcare software developer
    • Hospitals, clinics, medical practice centers, rehabilitation facilities
    • Pharmaceuticals, pharmacies
    • Health app provider
    • Fitness gadget manufacturer
    • Healthcare portals
    • Health insurance and other insurance companies
    • Consulting companies
    • IT services providers
    • Associations, public authorities, politics

    Application

    Apply now: By using our online application process, you submit an application for admission to our Registration Office. Please note that the transfer of your entrance qualification into the German system is necessary for the application, therefore contact the so-called Studienkolleg.

    Application deadlines

    You can start your studies in the winter semester. The application deadline for the winter semester is July 15 of the respective year.

    Study prerequisites and admission

    • University entrance qualification, e.g. general university entrance qualification, subject-specific university entrance qualification, university of applied sciences entrance qualification, a recognized advanced vocational training (e.g. master craftswoman or master craftsman, technician, etc.) or a vocational qualification in conjunction with an examination of aptitude as well as recognized foreign qualifications.
    • Admissions are made via a selection process.

    For a complete overview of the application process, click "Apply Now."

    Apply now!

    Further information needed?

    Information for degree-seeking students (Bachelor's or Master's degree)

    Special information for international applicants and contact persons for formal issues (excluding study programs)
    Information for international applicants

    For questions about your studies in general:
    Advising Guide and central Student Advisory Service

    You need personal advice regarding the study program itself?

    If you have any questions about the Healthcare Computer Science program (B. Sc.), please contact:

    Student counseling computer science
    Are you interested in a consultation about the study program? Feel free to contact the student counseling of the department of Computer Science. Please note: Information on the recognition of credits already obtained can only be obtained from the program director.

    Program director
    The program director will advise you on questions regarding Healthcare Computer Science content as well as on recognition of credits already obtained, e.g. for lateral entry (i.e. second semester or higher).

    Questions regarding the study program: Sarah Kunkel (M.A.)
    Student counseling
    Room O 203
    +49 7531 206-656
    sarah.kunkel@htwg-konstanz.de

    Office hours
    Mon - Wed: office, Thu - Fri: via phone, email or video; by appointment: counseling in person, by telephone or video

    Prof. Dr. Stefan Sohn
    Member of deanery and program director bachelor Health Care Computer Science
    Room O 105
    +49 7531 206-506
    stefan.sohn@htwg-konstanz.de

    Office hours
    by appointment

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